Apana: Let it Out to Let it In

“Let it out and let it in;” The lyrics made famous by the Beatles in the song ‘Hey Jude,’ and a quote I immediately recognized when I saw it posted on my sister-in-law’s picture introducing her new baby girl, my new niece, to the world. When I read this, I felt an instant connection and an understanding of what it takes to invite something new into your life.

The natural cycle and progression of each year starts with a re-birth and a commitment to make changes. Then there’s a transition into a steady routine mid-year that may or may not slip back into old habits. Finally, we wind down to holiday time with the reflection of where we’ve been over the last 12 months. Each year we strive to do better and bring something new into our life, but is it possible to hold space for all of these things without first, making room and letting something go?

The quote struck me, not just because this is my first niece and I’m so excited for the opportunity to be in this child’s life forever, but because it is so simple. That’s not to say that it doesn’t take work for us to get there. It’s hard work to carry a baby for 9+ months and then of course having to deliver the baby. A woman’s body makes space for a human to grow inside of her and then when there’s no room left, the mother gives birth. All of the love that this new baby brings comes with this final push of letting go, of trusting the body’s instinct.

As we were awaiting the baby’s arrival, I started revisiting the Sanskrit term: ‘Apana.’ Apana is the downward and outward flow of energy. It is the opposing force of ‘Prana’ which moves inward and upward. The baby moves down through the birth canal and out into the world. Apana is also a function that grounds us to the earth, brings us in touch with our foundation, and is responsible for governing anything that the body no longer needs in order to be healthy. Apana is the exhale, the release, the ‘letting go.’ The body is designed with this innate intelligence. The hard work is training the mind to do the same.

The elimination of mental stress is crucial to our overall health. When the mind is overflowing with too much stuff, it can eventually overflow and manifest as pain and illness in the body. To avoid this we have to start to incorporate the ‘apanic’ energy into the mind as well. One way to cultivate this is through the breath. When you practice pranayama or sit in meditation, you may notice that the breath naturally deepens. The diaphragm and the lungs continuously make space for each other which results in a bigger breath in and an even bigger breath out. This sends a signal to the brain to follow suit, slow down and also create space. It is in this space where the mind and all distractions can dissolve; a time when stress, habits (samskaras), and trauma can start to release their hold on the body. Allowing this time to go inward, to reflect on what may be weighing us down physically, mentally, and emotionally will give us the how-to and the ability to rid ourselves of it, to let it out. When we do, we have the space to let it in; all the love, joy, and success that we’re seeking.

Practice:

Apana Mudra: Join the tips of the middle finger and the ring finger with the tip of the thumb. The other 2 fingers remain outstretched. This mudra helps with digestion, brings energy to the liver, gallbladder, and promotes harmony and balance in the body.

When you sit for meditation, try to recall events in your life that bring up emotions. Start to acknowledge them and exhale them out. Continue to do this meditation until these memories no longer have a hold on you.

This class is a unique opportunity to learn how to elevate your consciousness through an exploration of pranayama (breath control) and meditation. Restore and release stress in the body through the gentle opening of restorative yoga poses using props. Enjoy the rejuvenating journey into the more subtle energies of your being. All levels are welcome from beginners to advanced. A great add-on to the 9:30am class, your morning workout, or run.

Gentle Yoga

Gentle Yoga

A gently paced class that instills comfort and strength to explore a blossoming practice. This is a perfect class for new students regardless of age, yogis who are returning to the mat after a period of absence, as well as pregnant women. Great for any student looking for a gentle, contemplative practice and an opportunity to “stretch out” in the pose.

Yoga Remix

Yoga Remix

Get ready for the weekend with this faster paced All Levels vinyasa class set to an ecclectic playlist that includes everything from Pop to Hip Hop. RE-MIX!

Mommy & Baby Yoga

Mommy & Baby Yoga

Childbirth is one of the most beautiful things a woman’s body and mind will experience in her life, but it is also one of the most difficult.

Yoga is the journey back to your innermost self; that perfect light that holds the deepest love for your new baby.
Our 4-week Mommy & Baby series will not only focus the mind and release tension, but it will also increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the body. We’ll offer poses that enhance bonding, trust, and exploration with your baby. This class will also help create a yogic rhythm with your baby, staying fully present in each joyous moment. Moms can expect to strengthen the abdomen and regain control of their body, meet other new moms, and become a part of the blossoming yoga community in a calming, welcoming, and loving space. Ages 6 weeks-10 months (preferably non-walking)

Transform, transcend and be inspired. Enjoy this candlelit class with live acoustic music by Monica Ott. Monica provides an unforgettable focus, drawing you into the present and onto your mat while Shayna guides you through an uplifting, heart opening asana practice. This class will allow you to ground, connect and rejuvenate.

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal Yoga

This class is designed to help prepare the body and mind for labor, birth, and motherhood. Learn to relax through mental centering and focused breathing to benefit both mom and baby. Postures are carefully chosen to be safe and supportive and help you more easily adapt to the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Through these classes, you will deepen the everlasting bond between you and your baby and celebrate motherhood with other women in the community.

Beat the heat and join Courtnay for an early morning yoga practice that will energize your body, awaken your mind, and prepare you for your day. Practicing yoga in the morning helps increase circulation and warms up stiff muscles after a long night of rest. Ditch your cup of coffee and invigorate your spirit with a natural dose of caffeine.

Open Meditation

Open Meditation

A guided meditation practice that will introduce you to various techniques that are easily accessible to the everyday yogi. Experience greater health and increased internal peace. Develop a regular meditation practice and witness the progress you make on and off the mat.

Level II-III

All Levels Live Music

Level II/III Classes will include more intermediate and advanced postures and variations such as arm balances, inversions, and backbends. These classes are a time to play with your practice, increase strength and flexibility, and discover new ways to move your body and mind.

Level I

Level I

A moderate paced class with a focus on deepening basic poses. In Level 1 class we string flowing movement throughout the practice and introduce creative transitions between poses. Perfect for a student with little or no experience.

Level I

Yoga Basics

New to Yoga? Learn basic poses with a focus on aligning the body and connecting each movement to the breath. This class is a practical introduction to the yoga practice. It is a slow vinyasa sequence that includes the essentials, from sun salutations and standing poses, through simple inversions, relaxation, and meditation.

All Levels

All Levels

This multi-level class is recommended for experienced practitioners as well as newer students with a sense of adventure! Following the teacher’s cues, you’ll get to work at your own pace. Each class will include flowing sequences, hands-on assists, relaxation and meditation. Posture variations will be provided for all levels of practice. Newer students should be advised that there may not be detailed how-to descriptions; for that we recommend taking a Basic or Level I Class.